Permitting participant configurable view selection within a screen sharing session

Abstract

A screen sharing session between a participating computer and a presenting computer can be established. A copy of a graphical user interface screen from the presenting computer can be presented within a display on the participating computer. A selection of the sub-portion of the copy of the graphical user interface screen from the participating computer can be received. Boundaries of the sub-portion can be determined and can be transmitted from the participating computer to the presenting computer. Responsive to receiving the boundaries, the remotely located computer can define the sub-portion of the graphical user interface screen of the presenting computer. The defined sub-portion of the graphical user interface screen can be conveyed over a network from the presenting computer to the participating computer without conveying data for other portions of the graphical user interface screen.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present invention relates to the field of collaborative computing.[0002]Web conferencing has become a staple of enterprise collaboration permitting exchange of ideas and resources over geographically distant locations. Web conferencing technologies often include capabilities that permit real-time collaboration and remote log-in functionality. For example, desktop sharing can allow remote access and remote collaboration on a person's computer by a remote participant. Traditional web conferencing often can include a participant, such as a presenter, coordinating the conference. During conferences, a presenter often can be required to determine what content is to be transmitted and presented to other participants. Participants of a conference can receive selected content and can have no control over what content is being transmitted to their display devices. Further, when a participant views previously recorded presentations from a remote location, the participant c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system and method for sharing screens in a screen sharing session. The system allows a user to select a specific portion of the shared content to view without receiving data for other portions. The user can define the specific portion with a touch, and the system will only send the necessary data to the other participants to display that specific portion on their screens. This makes the screen sharing process faster and more efficient. Additionally, the system allows users to create custom view preferences that associate specific portions of the shared content with user preferences.

Problems solved by technology

Further, when a participant views previously recorded presentations from a remote location, the participant can have no control over what content of the presentation is being transmitted to their display devices.

Several drawbacks of this approach arbitrarily limit participant control of received and presented content.

This drawback can quickly become prevalent when a participant utilizes a display device that has a smaller screen.

For example, smaller display devices often shrink the shared content to adequately present the content within the screen.

Consequently, small display devices can make it difficult for a user to focus on the relevant shared content of the presentations and ignore the irrelevant content.

These drawbacks can exist even when the shared content is part of a single application.

The result can be a confusing experience for one or more participants attempting to focus on relevant content.

Images